Federal and state Marketplaces and state Medicaid and CHIP agencies cant require applicants to provide information about the citizenship or immigration status of any family or household members who are not applying for coverage. States also cant deny benefits to an applicant because a family or household member who isn't applying hasnt disclosed his or her citizenship or immigration status.
Generally, Health Insurance Marketplaces and state Medicaid and CHIP agencies can require the disclosure of Social Security Numbers (SSNs) only for applicants, recipients of benefits, and certain people whose income is needed for computing tax credits.
States can ask other non-applicants for an SSN but only if they clearly indicate that providing this information is voluntary, and if they explain how the information will be used. States cant deny benefits because the applicant doesnt provide the SSNs of people who arent applicants for benefits or recipients of Medicaid or CHIP benefits, or those not required to provide SSNs.
Federal and state Marketplaces and state Medicaid and CHIP agencies verify application information through a data services hub. The hub allows the Marketplace and Medicaid and CHIP to securely submit application information. The federal government sends information back to verify the data.
The Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies apply privacy and security standards to govern the use and transfer of this information. Applications for the Marketplace and Medicaid and CHIP ask only for the information needed to determine eligibility for health coverage. People who arent seeking coverage for themselves wont be asked about their immigration status.
Information provided by applicants or beneficiaries wont be used for immigration enforcement purposes.